Windows Evaluation Editions

Windows Evaluation Editions are official trial versions of Windows operating systems released by Microsoft. They’re designed to help IT professionals and advanced users test the features and compatibility of Windows (Enterprise & Server) before committing to a purchase.

Where to get: Microsoft Eval Center
Available: Windows 10/11 Enterprise & all current Server editions

Important

You cannot activate evaluation editions after the trial period. For long-term use, always install a genuine full version instead.

Main Differences: Full vs. Evaluation

Trial Period: 90 days for Enterprise, 180 days for Server.
Activation: Not possible with product keys, digital licenses, or KMS after the trial expires.
Post-trial: The system will display activation warnings and may restart automatically.
Permanent Activation: Not supported on evaluation builds.

How to Convert Evaluation to Full Version

Windows 10/11 Enterprise

Officially, you can’t directly convert evaluation to full.
However, you can upgrade using an ISO and a registry tweak:

Enterprise LTSC

For LTSC editions:

Download the same-language/architecture LTSC ISO from windows ltsc links
Mount the ISO (right-click → Open with Windows Explorer).
As administrator, run:

reg

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v EditionID /d EnterpriseS /f

(For Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, use IoTEnterpriseS instead of EnterpriseS)

Run setup.exe from the mounted ISO, make sure “Keep personal files and apps” is selected.
Complete the upgrade.

Windows Server

Official conversion is supported. See Microsoft guide or use the MAS script.

Extending the Evaluation Period

Default: 90 days (Enterprise), can be extended 2 more times (up to 270 days) with

reg

slmgr /rearm

Other methods: Use the TSforge option in MAS or reset WPA registry keys (see gravesoft.dev).

Info

Evaluation activation for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 may fail—use MAS TSforge to fix.

Avoid License File Swapping

Avoiding

Applying full-version license files to eval builds is not recommended and can break system updates, edition queries, and more.
Always use official upgrade or extension methods.

Troubleshoot

If you need any help regarding this, first review the FAQ section — your answer will most likely be there.
If your issue persists — You can Contact Us.

Windows Evaluation Editions ​

Main Differences: Full vs. Evaluation ​

How to Convert Evaluation to Full Version ​

Windows 10/11 Enterprise ​

Windows Server ​

Extending the Evaluation Period ​